But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. —1 Corinthians 15:10, NAS

Change is a difficult process. Here's the good news. Sanctification and transformation come from beholding—not from striving! Part of the Christian world has dived headlong into a never-ending cycle of recovery, self-help, and how-to-do-it sermons, books, and tapes. Transformation comes from beholding the glory and splendor of Jesus, who is a real person. Unless God changes our hearts with His presence, we will never change. We may drag ourselves into the prayer room on a regular basis, but only God can change the heart. It happens by His grace working in us.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

Whatever it takes, dear Lord, allow me to behold the wonders of Your being so that I may be changed into Your image. Change me, Lord; empower me by Your grace to be all that You created me to be.

Transformation does not come from striving or from psychological techniques alone.

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